Silver Line – the new helpline for older people
This week saw the launch of a new confidential helpline which provides information, friendship and advice to order people.
It was created by Ester Rantzen with the aim of linking lonely older people to services in their area. It will provide a ‘befriending service’ and will also help those who may be suffering from abuse or neglect.
Ester Rantzen has spoken openly about the loneliness she suffered after the death of her husband. It was this loneliness that prompted her to set up the Silver Line to help other people experiencing the same problem.
“Loneliness particularly strikes older people who are used to having a purpose in life, to being needed,” she said. “Gradually, the community they used to belong to has shrunk away to nothing… After a busy family life, and perhaps an active career, being alone has come as a painful shock.”
She added: “So, I hope and believe that the Silver Line could become a lifeline to all those older people who have contributed so much throughout their lives but now feel so isolated and alone.”
The Silver Line phone number is 0800 4 70 80 90.
To find out more information visit their website at www.thesilverline.org.uk